Try to do a good job again tomorrow

This evening I told Ellie that I had received an award at work today. She asked what it was. I told we money. She asked, "how many monies?" I said, "500." Her innocent reply," wow, that's a lot of monies. You should try to do a good job again tomorrow."

She was so serious. It made me smile.

Memories as he grows

The worst part of being pregnant is that I'm so miserable, I feel I miss the milestones that should be celebrated with the older kids. Over Christmas I decided I needed to help Max grow up and become more independent in anticipation of the little one coming in April. I urgently moved him from his crib into a twin bed in Ellie's room. I also tried forcing potty training (this wasn't so successful.)

The other night as I was tucking Max into his big boy bed, it dawned on me that the sweet moments we used to have in his nursery are quickly fading into the past. I really enjoyed putting Max to bed each night. I enjoyed his questions, his teasing for hugs, and the way he loves songs! In this blog post, I wanted to remember our routine as it stood for nearly 18 months or so.

After telling Daddy night night, Max and I would sit down in the rocking chair in  his room. Most recently, he would try to rush to the chair, sit in it first and then like to make me squeeze in beside him. Then, he would crawl onto my lap and get himself situated. He sure liked to be comfy and had a certain way he wanted to rest in my arms before bed. This always included holding Spots, some nights Blue Blankey and Nicky would join us too.

First, we would read a story. Usually Max had one story that he liked reading over and over for a month or so. Some of our favorites were llama Lama Red Pajama, his Truck Books, Hop on Pop, and before he moved, his one page Bible stories. He had favorites in the Bible stories too - David and Goliath  Joseph, Moses and the best was xxxxx.

After stories, we would turn out the light and sign some songs. I loved singing to Max. Sometimes I would sing several songs. Often, we had to repeat the same songs. The regulars were Twinkle Twinkle, Ba ba Black Sheep, and then usually You are my sunshine. After a few songs, it was time to get into bed. I had taken the side of Max's crib off when I got pregnant so he could climb in and out of bed himself. So, since September, he had been playing a game with me - denying hugs at bedtime I would ask, "Max, does Mommy get a hug?" He'd run back to stand beside his crib grinning ear to ear saying "No." Finally, he would run to me to give me a hug if I showed I was sad enough or if I said it was time to get into bed. Then he would stretch his arms wide and run and jump into my arms. I would pick him up into the chair and squeeze him tight and kiss his cheeks or neck or something. He'd laugh and then we would put him into bed for real.

Once in bed, I would cover him and properly place his friends around his head. Then he would need one more song before I left. Often this was Zip a De Do Da, but sometimes Take Me Out To the Ballgame!

I'd give him one final kiss and say night night as I shut the door. He was so cute and good about falling asleep in his crib. He was at peace in there.

Moving into the shared room, the night time routine is a bit more stressful because Max and Ellie compete for my attention a bit. I don't want them to feel they need to do that. Sometimes, this is the reason I consider dividing out the big room into two rooms. I cherish those few minutes before bed with each of my children. I'm still trying to find a way for that special time with Max and Ellie sharing. I don't think I've mastered that yet by any means They however, enjoy being with each other. (Sometimes a bit too much as the laughing and commotion goes on for an hour or more sometimes. )

I love watching the children learn new things and life is easier as they become independent, but they are growing so quickly and I just want to remember and cherish these special rituals of the past forever!

Oh Ellie

Last night I made the mistake of Telling Ellie that I would not take her to miss Sarah's in the morning. I had to go to a lab and get early-morning tests. Ellie broke down in tears immediately. We got through it the first time, and I made the mistake when I was tucking her into bed of saying I'll see you tomorrow afternoon. Then it started all over again. Tears!

She wanted 100 hugs to make up for the fact she wouldn't see me in the morning. I complied and promised an extra one in the night While she was sleeping. And I followed up on my promise.

Now, remember, Ellie can't get herself out of bed to go to the bathroom in the night. She swears to me so that she wakes up between five and six every morning. I laugh.

Fast forward to 5:30 AM this morning, and Ellie is standing beside my bed needing a hug before I go. How On earth that girl got herself up, I have no idea. She never comes to find me in the middle of the night.

I gave her a few hugs and walked her back to bed. That girl is something else.

Playing with Daddy

Last night I was feeling horrible. I checked out around 6 and David took the kids into the other room to play. They had a rough day, for whatever reason. There hadn't been a lot of happy sounds or playing. But when Daddy took over and started playing with them, their outlook on life changed. There was lots of laughing and excitement. They just love playing tag and chase with Daddy.

When they were getting their baths, Max was laying in bed talking with me. He sits up, gets close to me, looks me into the eyes with his big excited eyes and proclaims, "Daddy played tag with me!" He was so happy!

I love when David's able to do this with the kids! It makes their day.

Playing

A recent hit with the kids has been pulling Ellie's cash register out of storage. They've really been into playing store and having someone but things from them. Last night I had to buy about 15 toys from Ellie. She was quite serious about it all.

Big

I asked what I measured at dr today because I suddenly feel huge. Dr heyman says,"big. ". Lol. I knew it. She's a giant.

I measured 30 weeks instead of 28.

Dr. Said this isn't. Surprise really because you haven't had any small children and we aren't expecting anything different this time.

She also kicked the doctor when he tried to listen to her heart beat. She's a little feisty and doesn't like us trying to figure her out too soon.

Poor little one doesn't have a name yet. I don't even have a good list yet. 11 weeks to figure it out (hopefully).

This picture below is at 27.5 weeks.